Getting Around Paris: Ultimate Paris Public Transport Guide

Getting around Paris is easy and efficient, as Paris is one of the most walkable cities in the world. Its charming streets, historic architecture, and compact layout make exploring on foot a true delight, especially in central areas like the Île-de-France region.

However, Paris is also a sprawling metropolitan hub, and not every corner can be reached on foot. That’s where the city’s impressive public transportation system steps in.

Among all the transport options, the Paris Metro stands out as the fastest and most efficient way to navigate the city. With a network that blankets the entire capital, it connects neighborhoods, landmarks, and suburbs. Beyond the Metro, Paris offers a variety of transport options, including regional trains (RER), buses, trams, taxis, and even bicycles, ensuring that getting around Paris is never a challenge, no matter where you’re headed.

P.S. If you haven’t figured out what to do and what to eat in Paris yet, here is my ultimate Paris Travel Guide, including everything you’ll need.

Here is everything that you need to know about public transport in Paris,

Paris Metro: Getting around Paris by Metro

The Paris Metro is the heart of public transport in Paris. With 14 metro lines, over 300 stations, and 133 miles of track, it’s designed to blanket the city, making it easy to hop between iconic attractions like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Montmartre. You’ll find yellow “M” signs at each station entrance, often spaced just 500 meters apart, ensuring you’re never too far from a metro stop.

• Tickets: A single T+ ticket (€2.10) is valid on the Metro, RER (within Paris), bus, tram, and funicular
• Operating Hours: 6:00 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. (until 1:15 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays)
• Frequency: Trains run every 2–4 minutes during peak hour

While the Metro is quick, not all stations have elevators. If you’re traveling with luggage, a stroller, or have mobility needs, the RER system may be more accessible.

RER: The Regional Express Network

The RER (Réseau Express Régional) is a rapid transit train system that serves both central Paris and the surrounding suburbs. It’s the perfect solution for tourists who want to travel longer distances quickly especially for airport transfers or day trips to places like Versailles, Disneyland Paris, or Charles de Gaulle Airport.

There are five RER lines: A, B, C, D, and E, each marked by a letter and a distinct color. These trains are faster than the Metro and stop less frequently, which makes them ideal for covering long distances across the Île-de-France region.

Important information for the tourists,

• RER A goes to Disneyland Paris (Marne-la-Vallée Chessy Station) in under 45 minutes.
• RER B connects directly to Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) and Orly Airport (with a short tram or bus connection).
• RER C takes you straight to Versailles Château Rive Gauche Station, just a short walk from the palace.

• Operating Hours: RER trains generally run from 5:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m., with some variation depending on the line and station.
• Frequency: Every 6–10 minutes during peak times, with slightly longer intervals during off-peak hours.

Tickets and Fares:

• Within Paris city limits (Zone 1): The standard T+ ticket (€2.10) is valid.
• Outside Paris (Zones 2–5): Fares vary based on distance and zones. You’ll need a point-to-point ticket or a pass that covers the required zones.

Pass Options

• Paris Visite Pass (Zones 1–5) includes unlimited RER travel to airports and Disneyland.
• Navigo Découverte covers unlimited travel for the week, including suburbs.

RER shares several stations with the Metro such as Châtelet-Les Halles, Gare du Nord, and Saint-Michel – Notre-Dame, making it easy to switch between systems without exiting the station. For first-time visitors, the RATP app or Citymapper is a great companion. It helps plan your route, track train times, and find the nearest station in seconds.

Buses in Paris: A Scenic Ride Through the City

Buses in Paris offer a scenic and flexible way to get around, especially for routes not covered by the Metro. The city has over 60 daytime bus lines and several night buses (Noctilien) that run after the Metro closes. While traffic can slow them down during peak hours, they’re a great option for short trips and sightseeing above ground. Buses use the same T+ ticket as the Metro, and tickets must be validated when boarding. Most lines run from around 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., with some continuing until 12:30 a.m.

Batobus Paris: A Scenic Ride Along the Seine

The Batobus offers a unique and relaxing way to explore Paris—by cruising along the Seine River. This hop-on, hop-off boat service stops at 9 major landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, the Louvre, and Saint-Germain-des-Prés. It’s not just transportation; it’s a scenic experience that lets you admire the city’s beauty from the water. The Batobus runs every 25–40 minutes, depending on the season, and you can buy 1-day or 2-day passes for unlimited rides. While it’s slower than the Metro, it’s a charming and memorable option for sightseeing at your own pace.

Cycle the Streets with Vélib’: Paris by Pedal Power

Vélib’ is Paris’s popular bike-sharing service, offering a fun, flexible, and eco-friendly way to explore the city on two wheels. With over 1,400 stations and 20,000 bikes, both classic and electric—you’re never far from your next ride. You can rent a bike using the Vélib’ app or ticket machines at the stations, with short-term passes available for tourists. Paris has an extensive network of bike lanes, making it easier and safer to cycle around landmarks, neighborhoods, and along the Seine. Whether you’re commuting or just cruising, Vélib’ gives you the freedom to see Paris at your own pace.

Taxis in Paris: Convenient but Costly

Taxis in Paris are easy to find, especially at designated taxi stands, train stations, and major tourist areas. Official Parisian taxis have a “Taxi Parisien” sign on top and a visible meter inside. While they offer door-to-door convenience, they can be expensive compared to public transport, especially during peak hours, late nights, or in heavy traffic. Fares start at around €2.60, with additional charges for luggage, extra passengers, and airport trips. You can hail a taxi on the street, call one by phone, or use apps like G7 and Bolt to book in advance. For short distances or when public transport isn’t available, taxis remain a reliable—if pricier—option.

Tram- not worthwhile for tourist though

Paris’s tram network is a modern and expanding system mainly serving the outer edges of the city. With 12 lines (T1 to T11 and T13) and over 270 stops, trams are designed to link suburban neighborhoods and business districts rather than the city center. While not essential for most tourists, some lines—like T3a and T3b, which circle the southern and eastern parts of Paris—can help reach areas like Porte de Versailles or La Villette. Trams operate from around 5:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m., and the fare is the same as the Metro or bus, using a T+ ticket. They’re smooth, quiet, and fully accessible, offering a scenic way to travel through less touristy parts of the capital.

Driving in Paris: Navigating the City by Car

While renting a car might seem like a flexible option, driving in Paris is generally not recommended for tourists. The city is known for heavy traffic, narrow streets, limited parking, and complex road rules—especially in central areas. Paris also has low-emission zones, requiring vehicles to display a Crit’Air sticker, which rental cars should provide. Parking garages are available but can be expensive, and street parking is often time-limited or restricted. Unless you’re planning day trips outside the city, public transport is usually far more efficient and less stressful than navigating Paris by car.